BSN 425 Exam 3: Gerontological Nursing Updated
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College (Version 1)
1. Which of the following is considered a normal physiological change in the
cardiovascular system associated with aging?
A. Decreased peripheral vascular resistance
B. Increased arterial stiffness and decreased compliance
C. Increased maximal heart rate
D. Decrease in left ventricular wall thickness
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Normal aging is characterized by increased stiffness of the large arteries
(arteriosclerosis) and a decrease in compliance, which often leads to increased systolic
blood pressure.
2. An older adult patient is experiencing acute confusion, visual hallucinations,
and fluctuations in consciousness. These symptoms are most indicative of:
A. Normal Age-Related Memory Loss
B. Alzheimer’s Disease
C. Depression
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in consciousness and perception, such as hallucinations.
,3. When assessing an older adult using the Katz Index, the nurse is evaluating:
A. Cognitive function and memory
B. Risk for developing pressure ulcers
C. Ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
D. Level of depression
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living is used to assess
basic functional status, including bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and
feeding.
4. Which medication is listed on the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate
for older adults due to high risk of falls and fractures?
A. Metformin
B. Lisinopril
C. Alprazolam
D. Acetaminophen
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Benzodiazepines like Alprazolam are included in the Beers Criteria because
they increase the risk of cognitive impairment, falls, and fractures in the elderly.
5. An older adult presents with ‘sundowning’ behavior. Which nursing
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Apply physical restraints to prevent wandering
B. Establish a calm, predictable evening routine
C. Increase environmental stimuli during the evening
D. Administer a PRN sedative at sunset
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For sundowning, non-pharmacological interventions like maintaining a calm
environment, reducing noise, and following a consistent routine are preferred.
, 6. Which of the following is a symptom of ‘atypical’ presentation of infection in
an older adult?
A. Functional decline and new-onset confusion
B. Tachycardia and tachypnea
C. High fever and chills
D. Leukocytosis with a left shift
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Older adults often lack typical signs like fever; instead, they may present with
confusion (delirium), falls, or a general decline in function when infected.
7. The nurse is assessing a patient’s risk for pressure ulcers. Which tool should
be used?
A. Morse Scale
B. GDS Scale
C. Hendrich II Model
D. Braden Scale
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Braden Scale is the standard tool for assessing pressure ulcer risk by
evaluating sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear.
8. A patient is receiving palliative care. What is the primary focus of this type of
care?
A. Curative treatment of the underlying disease
B. Symptom management and quality of life
C. Providing care only in the last 6 months of life
D. Assisting with physician-aided suicide
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life
for patients with serious illnesses, regardless of the prognosis.
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College (Version 1)
1. Which of the following is considered a normal physiological change in the
cardiovascular system associated with aging?
A. Decreased peripheral vascular resistance
B. Increased arterial stiffness and decreased compliance
C. Increased maximal heart rate
D. Decrease in left ventricular wall thickness
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Normal aging is characterized by increased stiffness of the large arteries
(arteriosclerosis) and a decrease in compliance, which often leads to increased systolic
blood pressure.
2. An older adult patient is experiencing acute confusion, visual hallucinations,
and fluctuations in consciousness. These symptoms are most indicative of:
A. Normal Age-Related Memory Loss
B. Alzheimer’s Disease
C. Depression
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in consciousness and perception, such as hallucinations.
,3. When assessing an older adult using the Katz Index, the nurse is evaluating:
A. Cognitive function and memory
B. Risk for developing pressure ulcers
C. Ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
D. Level of depression
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living is used to assess
basic functional status, including bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and
feeding.
4. Which medication is listed on the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate
for older adults due to high risk of falls and fractures?
A. Metformin
B. Lisinopril
C. Alprazolam
D. Acetaminophen
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Benzodiazepines like Alprazolam are included in the Beers Criteria because
they increase the risk of cognitive impairment, falls, and fractures in the elderly.
5. An older adult presents with ‘sundowning’ behavior. Which nursing
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Apply physical restraints to prevent wandering
B. Establish a calm, predictable evening routine
C. Increase environmental stimuli during the evening
D. Administer a PRN sedative at sunset
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For sundowning, non-pharmacological interventions like maintaining a calm
environment, reducing noise, and following a consistent routine are preferred.
, 6. Which of the following is a symptom of ‘atypical’ presentation of infection in
an older adult?
A. Functional decline and new-onset confusion
B. Tachycardia and tachypnea
C. High fever and chills
D. Leukocytosis with a left shift
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Older adults often lack typical signs like fever; instead, they may present with
confusion (delirium), falls, or a general decline in function when infected.
7. The nurse is assessing a patient’s risk for pressure ulcers. Which tool should
be used?
A. Morse Scale
B. GDS Scale
C. Hendrich II Model
D. Braden Scale
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Braden Scale is the standard tool for assessing pressure ulcer risk by
evaluating sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear.
8. A patient is receiving palliative care. What is the primary focus of this type of
care?
A. Curative treatment of the underlying disease
B. Symptom management and quality of life
C. Providing care only in the last 6 months of life
D. Assisting with physician-aided suicide
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life
for patients with serious illnesses, regardless of the prognosis.
